As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Production Engineer I in the United States is $79,061 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Production Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Production Engineer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Production Engineer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Production Engineer I | 0-2 years | $79,061 |
| Production Engineer II | 2-4 years | $89,633 |
| Production Engineer III | 4-7 years | $100,017 |
| Production Engineer IV | 7+ years | $125,849 |
| Production Engineer V | 7-10 years | $144,606 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Production Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 7.04% |
| Metal Fabrication | 2.14% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
ERP
|
$107,523 |
36%
|
|
Metal Fabrication
|
$98,036 |
24%
|
|
Salesforce
|
$91,711 |
16%
|
|
Manufacturing Engineering
|
$86,967 |
10%
|
|
Production Control
|
$86,967 |
10%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$86,967 |
10%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Production Engineer Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Production Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $73,914 and $77,633).
Production Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 10.4% |
| High School | 10.4% |
| Associates | 7.8% |
| Bachelors | 69.6% |
| Masters | 11.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.9% |
Understanding how a Production Engineer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Production Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Biopharma Manufacturing Engineer II | $97,074 | 23% |
| Manufacturing System Engineer II | $94,593 | 20% |
| Manufacturing Engineer II | $89,633 | 13% |
| Production Engineer II | $89,633 | 13% |
Salaries for a Production Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $68,679 in 2023 to around $68,694 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Production Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $68,679 |
| 2024 | $68,907 |
| 2025 | $68,694 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Production Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Production Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Production Engineer I is $99,720.
The highest pay for Production Engineer I is $90,545.
The lowest pay for Production Engineer I is $66,698.
Plans and designs methods to improve production processes. Reviews existing processes and develops solutions to increase productivity or reduce costs. Ensures compliance with approved production methods and quality standards. May require bachelor's degree in engineering. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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